title: Study of mastoid canals and grooves in north karnataka human skulls.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study was undertaken to observe the frequency of mastoid canals and grooves in north Karnataka dry human skulls. 100 dry human skulls of unknown age and sex from the department of Anatomy were selected and observed for the present study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The mastoid regions of dry skulls were observed for the presence of mastoid canals and grooves, if any. A metallic wire was passed through the canal for its confirmation and then the length was measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Mastoid canals were present in 53% of the total 100 skulls observed either bilaterally or unilaterally. Mastoid grooves were present in 18% of the total skulls (100) observed. Double mastoid canal was found in 01% of total skull studied and both Mastoid canals & Mastoid grooves together were present in 02% of the total skulls (100) observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The knowledge of mastoid canals and grooves is very important for otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons. Because they contain an arterial branch of occipital artery with its accompanying vein which is liable to injury resulting into severe bleeding.
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Anatomy, Shri BM Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre,BLDE University Bijapur , Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Gavishiddappa Andanappa
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Hadimani
authors.forename: Ishwar Basavantappa
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Bagoji
keywords: Mastoid canal; Mastoid groove; Occipital artery